Some parents angered after Rockwood schools cancel classes late

(KMOV) – The Rockwood School District was forced to close all schools on Friday after dozens of buses wouldn’t function properly due to the extremely cold temperatures.

According to district officials, 20 First Student school buses would not start because of the cold weather conditions.

The district later learned 85 school buses did not have working air brakes.

“We immediately called our staff and parents to let them know that school needed to be canceled today,” the district posted on its Facebook page. “We realize the frustration and inconvenience that many of you are experiencing.”

Sources told News 4 several students and teachers were already at their respective schools when news of the closure came down.

"Thank you for putting our student's safety first even with the inconvenience it may have caused some!" said Justin Kralemann.

"Thanks for keeping our kids safe!" said Angie Leslie Ortinau.

Others claimed the district could have communicated better.

"As a tax payer and with the forecast for Monday, please do a better job communicating!!! My child got on her bus this morning at 6:32 only to get back off the bus. I sure hope you didn't jeopardize her safety this morning by attempting to take her to school," said Margaret Gemski.

Might I suggest that you could have posted this information the first time? It would have potentially spared you from a lot of angry parents. I'm sure we all appreciate that the goal is to keep our kids safe. But, communication is key!!!!" posted Jill Krekeler Baechle.

News 4 was attempting to contact the district to learn more on the issues.